Chilli Rasbora Boraras Brigittae

Description

Chilli Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)

Tiny fish with enormous colour, the Chilli Rasbora is one of the most iconic nano aquarium species in the hobby. Mature Boraras brigittae can develop brilliant chilli-red colouration contrasted by a dark lateral marking, creating a spectacular display when maintained in a large group amongst plants, mosses and darker natural surroundings. At around 2 cm fully grown, this is a genuine nano fish ideally suited to mature planted and blackwater-style aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Boraras brigittae
  • Common names: Chilli Rasbora, Chili Rasbora, Mosquito Rasbora
  • Origin: Borneo, Indonesia
  • Adult size: Approximately 1.5–2 cm
  • Tank size: 20L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟔 Easy to Moderate
  • Temperament: Extremely peaceful
  • Best kept: Groups of at least 8–10, with 15–20+ producing an even better display

True Chilli Rasbora or Phoenix Rasbora?

This listing is for true Chilli Rasbora – Boraras brigittae.

Chilli Rasboras are frequently confused with the closely related Phoenix Rasbora (Boraras merah), sometimes sold under names such as False Chilli Rasbora or False Brigittae.

The two are genuine, separate species.

Chilli Rasbora – Boraras brigittae:
Typically develops intense red colouration with a prominent elongated dark lateral marking running along the body.

Phoenix Rasbora – Boraras merah:
Typically shows red-to-orange colouration with a more concentrated dark body marking or blotch rather than the characteristic elongated Chilli pattern.

Young, newly imported or stressed specimens of either species can appear considerably paler, making identification more difficult.

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You want one of the smallest true nano fish available.
  • You love intensely red schooling fish.
  • You have a mature planted aquarium.
  • You can maintain a proper group rather than only a few individuals.
  • You enjoy blackwater and natural-style aquariums.
  • You want peaceful companions for a carefully designed shrimp aquarium.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is newly established or unstable.
  • You keep large, aggressive or highly boisterous fish.
  • You intend to keep only one or two individuals.
  • Your aquarium has very strong current.
  • You cannot provide foods small enough for their tiny mouths.

Why choose Chilli Rasboras?

Very few fish provide this much visual impact at such a tiny size.

Once settled, mature Chilli Rasboras can develop intense crimson-red colouration with a contrasting dark lateral marking. Males in particularly good condition can become remarkably vivid.

Their tiny adult size allows aquarists to maintain a substantial group without needing a huge aquarium. And that's important because Chillis look far more impressive as a proper group than they do as a handful of individual fish.

Dense plants, mosses, floating vegetation, darker substrate and subdued lighting help them feel secure and can dramatically improve the overall display.

Benefits

  • Brilliant chilli-red colouration
  • True nano-sized freshwater fish
  • Approximately 2 cm adult size
  • Extremely peaceful temperament
  • Excellent for planted nano aquariums
  • Beautiful in larger groups
  • Excellent choice for blackwater-inspired aquascapes
  • Can coexist with adult dwarf shrimp

Care made simple

  • Temperature: Approximately 23–28°C
  • pH: Approximately 4.5–7.0
  • Water: Soft, clean and stable water preferred
  • Diet: Quality micro foods, finely crushed flakes and appropriately sized live or frozen foods
  • Excellent foods: Baby brine shrimp, small daphnia, microworms and other tiny foods
  • Flow: Gentle to moderate
  • Setup: Dense plants, mosses and floating vegetation with open swimming areas
  • Driftwood, botanicals and leaf litter work beautifully in natural blackwater-style aquariums.
  • Protect filter intakes because these fish are extremely small.
  • Use a secure lid.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Phoenix Rasboras
  • Other appropriately sized peaceful Boraras
  • Caridina Shrimp
  • Neocaridina Shrimp
  • Otocinclus
  • Small peaceful snails
NTA Insight:
Don't judge a Chilli Rasbora by how it looks in a shipping bag. Newly transported Chillis can lose an enormous amount of colour and may initially appear pale or washed out. Give them a mature aquarium, darker surroundings, plenty of cover, quality micro foods and a proper group. Once settled, healthy mature males can develop the intense red colour that makes Boraras brigittae such an iconic nano fish.

FAQ

Is this the true Chilli Rasbora?

Yes. This listing is for Boraras brigittae, the true Chilli Rasbora.

Is Chilli Rasbora the same as Phoenix Rasbora?

No. Chilli Rasbora is Boraras brigittae, while Phoenix Rasbora is Boraras merah. They are closely related but separate species.

Why are Chilli and Phoenix Rasboras sometimes confused?

Both are tiny red Boraras species, and young or stressed individuals can appear significantly paler than settled adults. Trade names are also used inconsistently, which can contribute to misidentification.

How large do Chilli Rasboras grow?

They are genuinely tiny fish, generally reaching only around 1.5–2 cm when mature.

How many Chilli Rasboras should I keep?

We recommend at least 8–10, but larger groups are preferable. Where aquarium size allows, groups of 15–20 or more can create a much more impressive display and encourage confident behaviour.

Why aren't my Chilli Rasboras bright red?

Age, sex, genetics, stress, diet, water conditions and surroundings all influence visible colour. Newly transported fish can be particularly pale. Mature males maintained in suitable conditions generally develop the strongest red colouration.

What should I feed Chilli Rasboras?

Their mouths are extremely small. Offer appropriately sized micro pellets or finely crushed quality foods supplemented with tiny live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, microworms and small daphnia.

Can Chilli Rasboras live with shrimp?

Yes. Their tiny size and peaceful behaviour make them one of the better fish choices for planted shrimp aquariums. Adult dwarf shrimp are generally safe, although newborn shrimplets may still be eaten opportunistically.

Can I keep Chilli Rasboras with Bettas?

It can work in a sufficiently large, heavily planted aquarium with an unusually peaceful Betta, but we would not regard it as automatically safe. Chillis are tiny enough to be intimidated or potentially preyed upon by larger fish, and individual Betta temperament varies considerably.

Do Chilli Rasboras need blackwater?

No, but soft acidic water, botanicals, driftwood, leaf litter and subdued lighting closely complement their natural ecology. Stability and excellent water quality remain more important than simply making the water dark with tannins.

Are Chilli Rasboras suitable for beginners?

They are not particularly difficult once established, but their tiny size makes them less forgiving than larger beginner fish. A mature stable aquarium, appropriately sized foods and peaceful tank mates are important.

Can Chilli Rasboras breed in an aquarium?

Yes. They are egg-scattering fish that provide no parental care. Adults may consume eggs and newly hatched fry, so dense moss and fine-leaved plants can allow occasional fry to survive, while intentional breeding is more successful in a dedicated setup.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Mature males generally become slimmer and significantly more intensely coloured. Females tend to remain somewhat fuller through the abdomen and may show less intense red colouration.

How long do Chilli Rasboras live?

With stable water, appropriate nutrition and good care, Chilli Rasboras generally live for approximately 3–5 years.

Chilli Rasbora Boraras Brigittae

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SKU: PPBBRIG

Out of stock,  

$25.00


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    Description

    Chilli Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)

    Tiny fish with enormous colour, the Chilli Rasbora is one of the most iconic nano aquarium species in the hobby. Mature Boraras brigittae can develop brilliant chilli-red colouration contrasted by a dark lateral marking, creating a spectacular display when maintained in a large group amongst plants, mosses and darker natural surroundings. At around 2 cm fully grown, this is a genuine nano fish ideally suited to mature planted and blackwater-style aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Boraras brigittae
    • Common names: Chilli Rasbora, Chili Rasbora, Mosquito Rasbora
    • Origin: Borneo, Indonesia
    • Adult size: Approximately 1.5–2 cm
    • Tank size: 20L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟔 Easy to Moderate
    • Temperament: Extremely peaceful
    • Best kept: Groups of at least 8–10, with 15–20+ producing an even better display

    True Chilli Rasbora or Phoenix Rasbora?

    This listing is for true Chilli Rasbora – Boraras brigittae.

    Chilli Rasboras are frequently confused with the closely related Phoenix Rasbora (Boraras merah), sometimes sold under names such as False Chilli Rasbora or False Brigittae.

    The two are genuine, separate species.

    Chilli Rasbora – Boraras brigittae:
    Typically develops intense red colouration with a prominent elongated dark lateral marking running along the body.

    Phoenix Rasbora – Boraras merah:
    Typically shows red-to-orange colouration with a more concentrated dark body marking or blotch rather than the characteristic elongated Chilli pattern.

    Young, newly imported or stressed specimens of either species can appear considerably paler, making identification more difficult.

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You want one of the smallest true nano fish available.
    • You love intensely red schooling fish.
    • You have a mature planted aquarium.
    • You can maintain a proper group rather than only a few individuals.
    • You enjoy blackwater and natural-style aquariums.
    • You want peaceful companions for a carefully designed shrimp aquarium.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is newly established or unstable.
    • You keep large, aggressive or highly boisterous fish.
    • You intend to keep only one or two individuals.
    • Your aquarium has very strong current.
    • You cannot provide foods small enough for their tiny mouths.

    Why choose Chilli Rasboras?

    Very few fish provide this much visual impact at such a tiny size.

    Once settled, mature Chilli Rasboras can develop intense crimson-red colouration with a contrasting dark lateral marking. Males in particularly good condition can become remarkably vivid.

    Their tiny adult size allows aquarists to maintain a substantial group without needing a huge aquarium. And that's important because Chillis look far more impressive as a proper group than they do as a handful of individual fish.

    Dense plants, mosses, floating vegetation, darker substrate and subdued lighting help them feel secure and can dramatically improve the overall display.

    Benefits

    • Brilliant chilli-red colouration
    • True nano-sized freshwater fish
    • Approximately 2 cm adult size
    • Extremely peaceful temperament
    • Excellent for planted nano aquariums
    • Beautiful in larger groups
    • Excellent choice for blackwater-inspired aquascapes
    • Can coexist with adult dwarf shrimp

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: Approximately 23–28°C
    • pH: Approximately 4.5–7.0
    • Water: Soft, clean and stable water preferred
    • Diet: Quality micro foods, finely crushed flakes and appropriately sized live or frozen foods
    • Excellent foods: Baby brine shrimp, small daphnia, microworms and other tiny foods
    • Flow: Gentle to moderate
    • Setup: Dense plants, mosses and floating vegetation with open swimming areas
    • Driftwood, botanicals and leaf litter work beautifully in natural blackwater-style aquariums.
    • Protect filter intakes because these fish are extremely small.
    • Use a secure lid.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Phoenix Rasboras
    • Other appropriately sized peaceful Boraras
    • Caridina Shrimp
    • Neocaridina Shrimp
    • Otocinclus
    • Small peaceful snails
    NTA Insight:
    Don't judge a Chilli Rasbora by how it looks in a shipping bag. Newly transported Chillis can lose an enormous amount of colour and may initially appear pale or washed out. Give them a mature aquarium, darker surroundings, plenty of cover, quality micro foods and a proper group. Once settled, healthy mature males can develop the intense red colour that makes Boraras brigittae such an iconic nano fish.

    FAQ

    Is this the true Chilli Rasbora?

    Yes. This listing is for Boraras brigittae, the true Chilli Rasbora.

    Is Chilli Rasbora the same as Phoenix Rasbora?

    No. Chilli Rasbora is Boraras brigittae, while Phoenix Rasbora is Boraras merah. They are closely related but separate species.

    Why are Chilli and Phoenix Rasboras sometimes confused?

    Both are tiny red Boraras species, and young or stressed individuals can appear significantly paler than settled adults. Trade names are also used inconsistently, which can contribute to misidentification.

    How large do Chilli Rasboras grow?

    They are genuinely tiny fish, generally reaching only around 1.5–2 cm when mature.

    How many Chilli Rasboras should I keep?

    We recommend at least 8–10, but larger groups are preferable. Where aquarium size allows, groups of 15–20 or more can create a much more impressive display and encourage confident behaviour.

    Why aren't my Chilli Rasboras bright red?

    Age, sex, genetics, stress, diet, water conditions and surroundings all influence visible colour. Newly transported fish can be particularly pale. Mature males maintained in suitable conditions generally develop the strongest red colouration.

    What should I feed Chilli Rasboras?

    Their mouths are extremely small. Offer appropriately sized micro pellets or finely crushed quality foods supplemented with tiny live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, microworms and small daphnia.

    Can Chilli Rasboras live with shrimp?

    Yes. Their tiny size and peaceful behaviour make them one of the better fish choices for planted shrimp aquariums. Adult dwarf shrimp are generally safe, although newborn shrimplets may still be eaten opportunistically.

    Can I keep Chilli Rasboras with Bettas?

    It can work in a sufficiently large, heavily planted aquarium with an unusually peaceful Betta, but we would not regard it as automatically safe. Chillis are tiny enough to be intimidated or potentially preyed upon by larger fish, and individual Betta temperament varies considerably.

    Do Chilli Rasboras need blackwater?

    No, but soft acidic water, botanicals, driftwood, leaf litter and subdued lighting closely complement their natural ecology. Stability and excellent water quality remain more important than simply making the water dark with tannins.

    Are Chilli Rasboras suitable for beginners?

    They are not particularly difficult once established, but their tiny size makes them less forgiving than larger beginner fish. A mature stable aquarium, appropriately sized foods and peaceful tank mates are important.

    Can Chilli Rasboras breed in an aquarium?

    Yes. They are egg-scattering fish that provide no parental care. Adults may consume eggs and newly hatched fry, so dense moss and fine-leaved plants can allow occasional fry to survive, while intentional breeding is more successful in a dedicated setup.

    How can I tell males and females apart?

    Mature males generally become slimmer and significantly more intensely coloured. Females tend to remain somewhat fuller through the abdomen and may show less intense red colouration.

    How long do Chilli Rasboras live?

    With stable water, appropriate nutrition and good care, Chilli Rasboras generally live for approximately 3–5 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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